General Motors, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Establish New Automotive Research Institute

Shanghai, China, 2008-03-04 - General Motors Corp. and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) announced today the establishment of the General Motors-Shanghai Jiao Tong University (GM-SJTU) Institute of Automotive Research.

The US$4 million organization, located on SJTU's campus in Shanghai, will build on the existing collaborative automotive technology and research work in manufacturing, materials, propulsion systems and other energy-efficient and environmentally friendly automotive technology conducted at the university. The institute will leverage GM's extensive global automotive resources and SJTU's research expertise.

"GM and SJTU have enjoyed a long and successful working relationship. We are very impressed with the progress that has already been made through our programs with SJTU," said Alan Taub, executive director of GM Research and Development. "By continuing to work with one of China's leading academic institutions, we are confident that we can accelerate the research and development of advanced technology required in the automotive industry of China and the rest of the world."

The GM-SJTU Institute of Automotive Research will serve as an umbrella organization for both new and existing research and educational programs.

Among the new programs announced today is the GM Advanced Manufacturing Processes Collaborative Research Lab (CRL). This is the first GM research and development CRL in China and the 12th established by the automaker worldwide. Research work at the new CRL will focus on manufacturing and lightweight materials processing.

According to Kevin Wale, president and managing director of the GM China Group, "China is not only the second largest market for our company, but also a growing center for global research. The establishment of this CRL demonstrates the integral role that China is playing in GM's overall R&D strategy."

Among the programs that will be housed at the new institution is the Shanghai Jiao Tong University PACE (Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education) Center. The PACE Center was established at SJTU in 2002 through a donation of hardware and software by a consortium of global companies, including General Motors. The PACE program promotes the development of educational curriculums that lead to advanced degrees in research fields that are critical to the automotive industry.

"Twenty-six Chinese universities and seven key national laboratories have cooperated with General Motors in research and personnel training. With 112 projects, GM has become a leader not just among global automakers, but also among multinational corporations in China in this important area," said Li Jiancong, deputy director of the Chinese Ministry of Education's Science and Technology Development Center. "Through the establishment of the GM-SJTU Institute of Automotive Research, we expect the cooperative relationship between the Ministry of Education and GM to strengthen further."

According to SJTU President Zhang Jie, "SJTU and GM are expanding our cooperation as part of our commitment to forming a long-term strategic partnership. Besides strengthening cooperation in body manufacturing, we are also working together on several key automotive technologies, including powertrains."

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at gm.com.

Source: General Motors China

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